Question
Is my CD4 count too high?
9 June 2022. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Living with HIV long-term, Side effects.
I was first diagnosed with HIV back in 2009 and my viral load was high, but wasn’t until a year or so later I started antiretrovirals. It’s been 6 weeks now, I’m on Biktarvy, which my doctor is saying it is better on the liver and kidneys, but i’m not convinced as I have read in several forums, it raises cholesterol (which mine is 7.2 roughly).
Before my doctor changed me over to Biktarvy my viral load was undetectable and CD4 960. The problem is, it is way too high, and apparently it can cause lymphopenia. Can someone please help me out here? I’m really stressed out.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Your CD4 count is normal. A healthy range for a CD4 count is between 430 and 1690. You are not at risk of lymphopenia.
Your doctor is correct, Biktarvy is better for both Kidneys and the Liver. It is a newer combination for ART which is generally better tolerated by people with fewer side effects. What combination were you on previously?
Biktarvy can occasionally increase cholesterol. This is not a common side effect and when it does occur it is rarely a problem.
As your cholesterol is elevated have you been advised to do anything to help reduce this?
Josh.
Hi Erkan, the changes you have made to reduce your cholesterol are great. These are the best ways to do this.
Hi Josh, thanks for getting back. Previously I was on darunavir, ritonavir and tenofovir. With the cholesterol, I’m trying to reduce smoking and eventually stop but also I have improved my diet and maybe take some natural alternatives like red yeast rice or bergamot extract to help cholesterol.